Post-doctoral Fellow - ARC Discovery Project

University of New South Wales; Sydney; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation + leave loading

Extra 3 days of leave over Christmas

Discounts and entitlements

Job summary

The University of New South Wales, Sydney, seeks a Post‑Doctoral Fellow (Level B) to join the ARC Discovery Project on Artists and Generative AI: Copyright and Private Regulation of Creativity. The role focuses on systematic computational analysis of generative AI behaviours and related data handling.

Reporting to Prof Oliver Bown of the School of Art & Design, you will perform independent and collaborative research, publish in top venues, and contribute to HDR supervision within a dynamic,

Qualifications

• PhD in AI, CS, Data Science or related field.
• Familiarity with ML principles and generative AI.
• Experience training ML systems, benchmarking or data analysis of cultural materials.
• Ability to program for data and media analysis.
• Track record of high-impact research with leadership.
• Strong communication and networking across diverse groups.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake computational experiments in AI media generation and quantitative/qualitative analysis.
• Liaise with ResTech and staff to access compute infrastructure.
• Gather and organize data with copyright/privacy controls under UNSW policies.
• Contribute to research design to fulfill ARC project aims.
• Lead authorship on high-quality research publications.
• Create scholarly impact through research outputs.
• Contribute to HDR supervision and mentoring.

Skills

Machine Learning

Data Science

Programming

Research leadership

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in related discipline

Tools

Python

ML frameworks

HPC environments

Job description

Post-doctoral Fellow - ARC Discovery Project

University of New South Wales – Sydney NSW

• Duration: Fixed-term contract until 3 November 2028
• Remuneration: Level B: $133,065 - $156,864 + 17% super + Leave Loading
• Location: UNSW Paddington Campus

About UNSW:
UNSW isn’t like other places you've worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation but we are a diverse and talented community, a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters:
A Post-Doctoral Fellow is sought to join the ARC Discovery Project Artists and Generative AI: Copyright and Private Regulation of Creativity. You will undertake systematic computational analysis of generative AI system behaviours, examining a range of generative AI systems and datasets, including systems for tracing content or “inspiration” attribution.

As a Post-Doctoral Fellow (Level B), you will carry out independent and collaborative research and apply your research expertise in Machine Learning, Data Science or other forms of high-performance computational analysis.

The role reports to Prof Oliver Bown, School of Art & Design, and has no direct reports.

Responsibilities Summary:

• Undertake computational experiments in AI media generation using UNSW and national compute infrastructure, and perform quantitative and qualitative analysis in line with the project research design.
• Liaise with UNSW ResTech support personnel and relevant professional staff to manage access to compute infrastructure.
• Gather and organise relevant data with appropriate copyright, privacy and security controls, in accordance with UNSW data management policies and human ethics principles.
• Contribute to the design of research to fulfil the aims of the ARC Discovery Project.
• Conduct independent and collaborative research under limited supervision, including leading authorship on high-quality research publications.
• Create scholarly impact through research outputs that advance disciplinary knowledge.
• Contribute to HDR supervision and the mentoring and guidance of students and colleagues, where requested.

For more information regarding the responsibilities for this role, please refer to the Position Description at JOBS@UNSW.

Skills and Experience Summary:

• A PhD in a related discipline, including AI, Computer Science, Data Science, a scientific discipline involving quantitative data analysis, or a Creative Arts or Social Science discipline where a high degree of computing and data processing proficiency can be demonstrated.
• Familiarity with Machine Learning principles and current Generative AI practices.
• Demonstrated experience relevant to the project, such as creating and training ML systems; benchmarking or analysing ML systems; systematic computational analysis of cultural materials such as art, music or literature; building datasets; managing high-performance computing applications; or building AI agents.
• Ability to program in a relevant programming language for data and media analysis.
• Demonstrated research track record with high-quality, high-impact outcomes, evidence of the ability to achieve research excellence and capacity for research leadership.
• High-level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

*UNSW is unable to sponsor international candidates for this position. Applicants must have unlimited Australian work rights for the full duration of the contract.

Get in Touch:

For queries regarding the recruitment process, contact Lucy Gerondis, Talent Acquisition Partner, UNSW: **********@unsw.edu.au

For queries regarding the role, please contact Professor Oliver Bown: ******@unsw.edu.au

Pre-Employment Checks

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.